Antimicrobial efficacy of 3.8% silver diamine fluoride and its effect on root dentin

Noriko Hiraishi, Cynthia K.Y. Yiu, Nigel M. King, Junji Tagami, Franklin Chi Meng Tay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigated the use of 3.8% silver diamine fluoride (Ag[NH 3 ] 2 F) as an antibacterial agent against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms and its ability to penetrate dentinal tubules by the formation of silver salts. Methods: Biofims were generated on membrane filter discs and subjected to 15-minute and 60-minute exposure times with 3.8% Ag(NH 3 ) 2 F, saturated Ca(OH) 2 , 5.25% NaOCl (negative control), and 0.9% NaCl (positive control). Cleaned and shaped radicular dentin were applied with Ag(NH 3 ) 2 F for 24, 48, and 72 hours. The presence of silver salts on the dentin surface was examined using low-pressure scanning electron microscopy. Results: Both NaOCl and Ag(NH 3 ) 2 F were effective against E. faecalis biofilms, with no significant difference in reduction of microorganisms for both exposure times. Silver deposits were present on 66.5% of the radicular dentin surfaces after 72-hour application of Ag(NH 3 ) 2 F as simulated interappointment dressings. Penetration of the silver deposits was observed at most 40 μm into dentinal tubules after smear layer removal. Conclusion: Ag(NH 3 ) 2 F has potential to be used as an antimicrobial root canal irrigant or interappointment dressing, especially in locations in which potential browning/blackening of dentin by metallic silver is not a major concern.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1026-1029
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Endodontics
Volume36
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 23 2010

Keywords

  • Antimicrobial
  • Enterococcus faecalis
  • irrigant
  • root canal medicament
  • silver diamine fluoride

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dentistry(all)

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